Deputies: Saddle thief on the loose

A thief is on the loose, deputies said, after stealing a horse saddle, cash and other equestrian equipment early Friday morning at a store on N.C. 18.

Officers said they responded to the facility, Hillside Feed and Tack, just before 3 a.m.

Not only did they spot a damaged lock on the store’s door but also coins and office supplies on the ground near the door, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office press release said.

The store safe’s doors were also open, the release said, when deputies searched the inside of the business.

A detective arrived on scene a short time later to assist patrol deputies in the case.

The store’s owner also responded to the property to verify what items were stolen from the facility, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The owner told deputies the store was missing a $2,700 Seven K Saddlery Wade Saddle along with two sets of horse clippers, four wallets and a cash drawer with $100 in cash.

The clippers are valued at $200, deputies said.

An arrest has yet to be made in the case.

Individuals with information on the break-in and theft is asked to call Sheriff’s Office authorities at (704) 732-9050, the Lincoln County Communications Center at (704) 735-8202 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 736-8909.

Any tip leading to an arrest in the case may result in a reward up to $1,000.